• Devotions

    For Healing’s Sake

    The alarm clock buzzes, jolting us awake.

    The coffee pot brews a cup of morning motivation.

    A quick kiss goodbye to a loved one before racing out the door to work.

    For some, this is what the morning routine looks like.

    It’s just another day.

    Business as usual.

    But the weeks that have preceded Holy Week have looked anything but usual.

    Truck drivers, cashiers at grocery stores, janitors, police officers, EMTS, doctors and nurses.

    Anyone deemed essential has had to go through the motions of the daily routine, knowing the dangers that lie ahead.

    And everyday they go.

    Daily serving that others might have the essentials.

    Daily serving that others might be safe.

    Daily serving that others might live.

    Friends and neighbors, giving up time with their own families and loved ones.

    Putting others above themselves.

    Such an example of real love.

    “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

    1 John 3:16 NLT

    I wonder if there are times some wish they would have chosen a different career path.

    Times of doubt.

    Most probably never envisioned the circumstances that they find themselves in now.

    It is hard to fathom.

    But Jesus knew this feeling well.

    He gave up being in heaven with the Father to come to earth in human form.

    He walked among those who were broken and sick, not just in body but in spirit.

    Jesus came for healing’s sake.

    Jesus had loved ones He would leave behind.

    His mother, His disciples, His friends.

    And just before He would be led away to complete His work, He would sit down for a meal with His disciples one last time.

    Like He had done many times before with those He loved.

    He knew the dangers that were before Him.

    So He went to God in prayer.

    “Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There He told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened Him. He prayed more fervently, and He was in such agony of spirit that His sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.”  Luke 22:39-44 NLT

    What I love most about this passage are the words “as usual.”

    Jesus did not set an alarm clock or put on a pot of coffee as part of His usual routine.

    He went to God in prayer.

    Regardless of the circumstances, Jesus daily spent time with Father God.

    When Jesus had doubts and fears about the path He was on, He sat at His Father’s feet.

    Friends, that is what our heavenly Father wants us to do now.

    Bring your worries and fears and give them to the One who is larger than any burden we carry.

    He will give you strength.

    And as you sit at His feet, lift up those who are truly acting as the hands and feet of Christ in a broken world, that they might be strengthened and protected as well.

    Amen.

  • Devotions

    In His Hands

    “He’s got the whole world in His hands

    He’s got the whole world in His hands

    He’s got the whole world in His hands

    He’s got the whole world in His hands…”

    Maybe like me, you remember this song from Sunday School or Vacation Bible School.

    You are probably humming the tune right now.

    According to Wikipedia, this African American spiritual was first published in 1927, and recorded 30 years later by singer Laurie London.

    There is something about these simple lyrics that give me comfort, especially now.

    God has the whole world in His hands.

    Babies, brothers, sisters.

    Doctors, nurses, cashiers at the grocery store.

    You and me.

    Everyone.

    “So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”  Genesis 1:27 NLT

    Everything.

    “On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work.”

     Genesis 2:2 NLT

    HIS.

    Our heavenly Father sees our brokenness, our fears and worries.

    He desires us to draw close to Him, just like a parent shows love and tenderness to a child.

    “The Lord is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.”

      Psalm 103 :13 NLT

    Circumstances will change, but the love of the Lord remains forever.

    “But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear Him. His salvation extends to the children’s children.”  Psalm 103:17 NLT

    Our Abba Father does not want us to be fearful as we face trials and tribulations,, but to seek our strength from Him.

    “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call him “Abba, Father.”  Romans 8:15 NLT

    “And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering.” Romans 8: 17 NLT

    In our present circumstances, we can draw comfort in knowing that we are HIS.

    And as His children, made in His image, let us reflect His light and love into a world that is in need of hope and comfort.

    “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children.” Ephesians 5:1 NLT

    Remember friends….

    He’s got the whole world in His hands.

    And there is no better place to be.

    Amen.